Questor Insurance News

Volkswagen set to reinvent classic camper van

The classic Volkswagen camper van is to undergo a transformation to make it fit for the 21st century, as production starts on an electric version.

Hugely popular during the sixties and seventies, the van was a favourite amongst travellers and regularly used on road trips until production was halted in 1979.

Instead of a noisy petrol engine, the revamped model will be fitted with green electric motors and numerous hi-tech electronic gadgets.

Once all relevant legislation has passed, the idea is for the van to also be self-driving, so travellers can take a break on their journey and get some valuable rest.

A Volkswagen spokesman said: “While the driver relaxes, laser scanners, ultrasonic and radar sensors and cameras monitor other road users and the surroundings.”

The van is set to go on sale in 2022, and Volkswagen is targeting customers in Europe, China and North America.

By adding a more flexible layout that will allow passengers to lay down and relax in comfort, it is hoped that the design will appeal to travellers heading out on road trips.

A full battery is set to last for around 373 miles, however 80% of the battery can be replenished in just a half hour of charge.

Volkswagen plans to have more than 30 all-electric models in the market by 2025 to appeal to a more environmentally focused consumer.

A new study from the AA shows that 18 to 24-year-olds are the most likely to own an electric vehicle, as they are the least concerned about any drawbacks.

The research – which surveyed 16,500 people – revealed that many consumers are concerned about how long it will take for the low running costs to offset the high purchase price.

Edmund King, president of the AA, said: “It seems that young drivers certainly ‘get’ the concept of electric driving, and our research consistently showed that it is older drivers who are putting up concerns that simply don’t exist.”

If you’re thinking of travelling abroad this year, be sure to organise your camper van insurance in advance